During a boring, routine weekend, young Glen (Stephen Dorff) and his best buddy, Terry (Louis Tripp), decide to explore Glen's backyard. Before long, the boys come across a strange hole in the ground which yields all manner of sinister… MoreDuring a boring, routine weekend, young Glen (Stephen Dorff) and his best buddy, Terry (Louis Tripp), decide to explore Glen's backyard. Before long, the boys come across a strange hole in the ground which yields all manner of sinister prizes. Consulting one of his heavy-metal record albums, Glen comes to the correct conclusion that the hole is actually the Gate to Hell. Offering a sacrifice in the form of a dead dog, Glen further opens the portals of Hades, through which pass some of the most hideous demons imaginable. A surprise box-office hit, The Gate yielded a sequel, predictably titled Gate II.

The Gate is a fun, entertaining horror film that relies on a good cast of actors and equally good story to deliver effective chills. This is one of those films… MoreThe Gate is a fun, entertaining horror film that relies on a good cast of actors and equally good story to deliver effective chills. This is one of those films that manages to take a simple idea, and build something very engaging using a proven formula. The result is an exciting movie that genre fans will enjoy, and it is one of the most surprising gems that I've seen from 80's horror cinema. Of course, the film at times fathers, but overall it's well executed horror film that is engaging from start to finish. I would say that this is one of those films that should be seen during the Halloween season. This is a fun film that boasts a terrific cast of actors, including a young Stephen Dorff. Overall, it has its flaws, but it is a movie that is one of the better 80's horror films, and if you love old fashioned horror, then check this one out. This is a blend of supernatural horror and demonic horror that succeeds on many levels to be a memorable horror film. Some parts could have been done better, but it's nonetheless a well directed effort that will satisfy horror fans looking for a truly engaging film. The story is very well thought out and delivers on many tense moments of fun, memorable horror. The Gate may not be the greatest film of the 80's horror canon, but as it is, it's one that manages to deliver exciting visuals with a good story and effective performances from its cast. If you come across this film, give it a shot, you won't be disappointed as it manages to be a highly memorable horror yarn from start to finish.

Cassie Hill

Predictable, cute cool horror film from the 80s.

Tim Salmons

Cute with great effects, but not that a great of a horror film.

Brandon Siddall

When I was a kid I used to sneak into the living room when my dad was watching horror movies and i would watch them from the hall way adjoining the room. My dad… MoreWhen I was a kid I used to sneak into the living room when my dad was watching horror movies and i would watch them from the hall way adjoining the room. My dad caught me many times and finally sat me down in 1988 and told me that if i wanted to watch horror movies, I would have to sit and watch The Gate with him. So this movie holds a special place with me.
Steven Dorff stars in this Canadian horror film about a gate to hell opening up in a kids back yard. The movie is pretty simple and there is not much beyond what you see on screen, but it has a certain nature about it. Maybe its the fact that they use clay-mation to show all of these little tiny demons. Maybe its the simple "Ghost Story" type spooks and scares that this movie conjures up. Whatever it is, this is a really fun movie for fans of Horror. If you want to see a fun easy going horror film check this out. You will have a good time with it.
On the other hand, I might be pretty biased. I watched this on VHS (a gem of my collection mind you) and the person that I watched it with was bored and not scared. She said that it was unoriginal and bland. For me its hard to say, you be the judge. I am going to give The Gate 6 of 10 for having all of the elements but a lot of nay-saying.
Don't die in a plane crash
Sid

Drew Smith

I'm not going to call this a good movie by any means, but it's fun and imaginative and carries a strong sense of nostalgia about it. Oddly difficult… MoreI'm not going to call this a good movie by any means, but it's fun and imaginative and carries a strong sense of nostalgia about it. Oddly difficult to hate.

Jason Owens

I was only 7 back when "The Gate" first came out, and I've been watching it off and on since then. Me and my mom used to rent horror movies all… MoreI was only 7 back when "The Gate" first came out, and I've been watching it off and on since then. Me and my mom used to rent horror movies all the time and watch them together, and "The Gate" was one of the many that we both liked.
Two boys unwillingly unearth demons in the backyard. They later find out that it has something to do with a book that is like the Bible of demons and an album that a rock group released. There's not a clear tactic in sight, but there has to be some way to get rid of these demonic demons who reside in a not-so-welcome backyard.
I can't speak for everyone, but I think "The Gate" is a good horror movie. It's a little slow-paced for the first hour, but as soon as the first hour of the movie is up, the film gets a lot scarier, more suspenseful, and much better. "The Gate" features good acting, well done special effects, and more.
If you like classic horror movies such as "House" and "Poltergeist," I recommend getting "The Gate." NOTE: That was my Amazon review from late in the year 2001. A classic in the 80's genre of horror.

Steve B.

Giving this one the benefit of the doubt -- I saw it once, in the theatre when it was first release and can remember very little about it. Two stars is… MoreGiving this one the benefit of the doubt -- I saw it once, in the theatre when it was first release and can remember very little about it. Two stars is probably being kind.

ken j

The Gate stars a very young Stephen Dorff in what i found to be a very cool yet really cheesy horror movie from the 80's that centers around a kid and his… MoreThe Gate stars a very young Stephen Dorff in what i found to be a very cool yet really cheesy horror movie from the 80's that centers around a kid and his friend who find a stone in his backyard they dig further just to later find out they have opened the gateway to a hell like world and now with his parents out of town him his friend and his sister have to find a way to close the world before it becomes hell on earth. worth watching for the mini claymation demons story though is straight cheese and most of the effects are way past dated but all in a good way recommended for any 80's horror fan

Greg S

A gateway to Hell opens in a suburban kid's backyard. Horror aimed at preteens and young teens, and it's decent on that level; the claymation… MoreA gateway to Hell opens in a suburban kid's backyard. Horror aimed at preteens and young teens, and it's decent on that level; the claymation mini-demons are memorable.

Lafe Fredbjornson

A brother and his older sister are looking after the homestead when the parents are away, and end up opening up a nasty hole in their backyard. There's… MoreA brother and his older sister are looking after the homestead when the parents are away, and end up opening up a nasty hole in their backyard. There's lots of little creatures which come out and battle the kids. A decent enough 80's kids' horror flick, which had impressive special effects the year it was made. I never got too scared, but there was fun action.

Jacob Palacio

A descent 80's horror flick.

Nicky Mo

I kinda remember seeing this as a kid but it didn't stick as well as some others. Funny seeing Stephen Dorff as a kid in this 1 because I had no idea it… MoreI kinda remember seeing this as a kid but it didn't stick as well as some others. Funny seeing Stephen Dorff as a kid in this 1 because I had no idea it was him. Cheesy claymation demons but in an 80's movie that is at least decent for the time it was made. More for kids but his one is ok if you are nostalgic for the Critters, Ghoulies, Troll type of film.